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10 Christmas traditions in Madrid
12/19/2023
Visiting outdoor markets, eating chocolate with churros, watching the lights... There are plenty of Christmas traditions in Madrid to enjoy this time of the year.
Visiting street markets, eating chocolate with churros, admiring the festive lights… There are plenty of Christmas traditions in Madrid to enjoy at this time of year.
The Spanish capital is one of the best European cities to visit during the festive season. If you’re planning to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Madrid, we invite you to experience it like a true Madrileño with these 10 truly special traditions.
Christmas traditions you won’t want to miss
1. Christmas lights tour
Madrid is transformed into a paradise of lights throughout the festive season, from late November until Epiphany. We recommend taking a stroll along Gran Vía and other main streets to soak up the festive spirit, or making the experience even more special by hopping on the Naviluz, the Christmas bus.
2. Try your luck in the Christmas Lottery
The Christmas Lottery is a tradition throughout Spain, and the people of Madrid take part with great enthusiasm. You can buy your tickets at Doña Manolita, Madrid’s most famous lottery outlet, and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll win the ‘Gordo’ this year.
3. Go shopping in Preciados
Still got a few presents left to buy? Calle Preciados, one of Madrid’s main shopping streets, is packed with shoppers in the final days of the year. Presents, decorations and a festive atmosphere that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit.
4. Photo by the tree
If you don’t take a photo next to one of Madrid’s Christmas trees, did you really go there? The decorated trees adorn many of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Strike a pose next to one and create the perfect seasonal souvenir!
5. Visit the market in Plaza Mayor
In the final weeks of the year, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor becomes a Christmas shopping paradise. Here you’ll find everything from decorations to traditional products and handcrafted items.
6. Tuck in on Christmas Eve
One of Spain’s most cherished traditions is Christmas Eve, on 24 December, when families gather to enjoy a dinner filled with traditional dishes and sweets. Book your Christmas Eve dinner at The Principal and enjoy a unique evening at the Ático Restaurant.
7. Running in the San Silvestre
On the last day of the year, Madrid is filled with runners taking part in the famous San Silvestre race, many of them dressed as Father Christmas. A 10-kilometre route offering a healthy and fun way to see out the year.
8. The chimes at Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the heart of Madrid’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Want to start the year off on the right foot? Join the crowds to hear the bells ring in the New Year and eat the traditional 12 grapes.
9. Start the year with churros and hot chocolate
After the New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s no better way to recover than with some churros and hot chocolate at San Ginés. It’s a Madrid Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss, and it’ll give you the energy you need to start the year!
10. Collecting sweets at the Three Kings Parade
On 5 January, the Three Kings’ Parade takes to the streets of Madrid, delighting children with a visit from the Three Kings, who throw sweets to the crowds gathered to welcome them.
Enjoy the Christmas traditions in Madrid
Madrid’s Christmas traditions capture the magic and festive spirit that fills the streets of the Spanish capital during the festive season. We invite you to enjoy a stay at The Principal Madrid, where you’ll feel right at home whilst taking in fantastic views of the Christmas lights
Our 5-star hotel on Gran Vía is the perfect place to stay this Christmas in Madrid – a haven of luxury and comfort where you can relax as the New Year approaches and enjoy traditional Christmas fare. This year, we have adorned our façade with stunning Christmas lights and filled our interiors with festive decorations to create the cosiest atmosphere for our guests.
Book your Christmas stay at The Principal!
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